What really is a moderate Muslim? (page 2)

Simon

I think once you come up with all the definitions you will come to the same conclusion: moderate muslims are muslims in name only and just go along with the traditions but don't really believe it all. Just like most christians, it's just a mix of tradition, lifestyle and community culture that they live within but they don't obsess about it all day every day or allow it to rule their lives beyond assuming it provides them with some basic moral framework.

KateWild

She believes she is a devout Muslim and that Muslim extremists are using religion for their own selfish purposes.-Humbled

Malala Yousafzai who survived the Taliban is certainly a brave young girl, but I would say she was more conservative than moderate. She is an activist so she stands up for what she believes is right.

Kate xx

Oubliette

Maybe some of you have seen this, but I just watched it and found Fareed Zakaria gave a balanced presentation of the other side of the debate.

Not saying I agree with everything Mr. Zakaria has to say, but he does raise some good points to ponder:

Let's be honest: Islam has a problem today

Watch "Fareed Zakaria GPS," Sundays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET on CNN

By Fareed Zakaria

LoveUniHateExams

Excellent question Kate, I wish I knew the answer.

The muslim community must ask this question amongst themselves.

KateWild

they don't obsess about it all day every day or allow it to rule their lives beyond assuming it provides them with some basic moral framework.-Simon

I like this definintion also, it engenders some balance on the Muslims part. I think most Muslims are like this, they obsess about paying the bills, earning a living and having fun with their families.

Kate xx

Oubliette

That being said, I still maintain my thesis: Religion has got to go. All of it. We have outgrown any alleged usefulness it may have had in our evolutionary process and now the negatives clearly outweigh and supposed "positives."

Religion is not necessary for a human to be good, moral or ethical. Indeed, I have found that many of the most ethical people I know are atheists and secular humanists; at the very least, they are a-religious.

KateWild

The muslim community must ask this question amongst themselves.- LUHE

They do need to, and even radical extremests call themselves moderate Muslims, it's something that is really impossible to define absolutely, so the term is pointless.

Kate xx

KateWild

Religion is not necessary for a human to be good, moral or ethical.-Oub

I agree, but I can't see it not existing. Besides there are a lot od decent religious, intelligent people in the world. Kate xx

humbled

Kate--I am curious as to why you think Malala is "more conservative than moderate". In a speech before the U.N. on behalf of the universal right of child education she cited the other, non-Muslim, religious traditions and figures who have stood for peaceful co-existence.

Secondarily, if the quran states--as your article above says it does--to always take the middle road, are you not a faithful muslim to BE MODERATE. What is the cut between moderate and conservative here?

O, I just saw that your last post says these distinctions are impossible to define.....

LoveUniHateExams

If 'moderate muslims' is nearly impossible to define, then how about another question: are there any liberal muslim communities which tolerate members leaving the religion?

What really is a moderate Muslim?

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